SAN ANTONIO – Two San Antonio universities and a college have received multi-million dollar grants this week.
St. Mary’s University received a $5.3 million grant from the Dept. of Education to help with its School of Science, Engineering and Technology.
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“We are grateful for this grant as we continue to respond to the ever-growing demand for STEM education on our campus,” said University President Thomas Mengler, J.D. “This grant will provide a strong boost to the implementation of the University’s strategic vision for the School of Science, Engineering and Technology, and we are especially excited about the impact that this grant will have on our University and our ability to serve the STEM needs of our region.”
The money will be dispersed over five years and will help fund multiple university programs including:
- Creation of a bioinformatics program
- Streamlined transfer services for STEM students at the Alamo Colleges
- Coaching services for Hispanic STEM majors
- Renovation and equipment for biology and chemistry laboratories
- Faculty and staff, including a bioinformatics professor, a forensic science professor, STEM coaches, a data analyst and a lab technician
- Enhancement of the forensic science program
The University of Texas at San Antonio was also awarded $3 million for the schools Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security.
The money from the Dept. of Homeland Security will help fund cybersecurity training courses to oppose new and emerging cyber threats.
Greg White, director of UTSA’s CIAS and professor of computer science, will help oversee the grant.
“UTSA is thrilled to have been selected to lead the CTG (continuing training grants) efforts,” White said. “Our team continues to work to improve our nation’s cybersecurity through innovative, high-quality training efforts. In partnership with the NCPC, UTSA continues to lead the way in cybersecurity training.”
San Antonio College was also awarded $3.8 million for its STEM programs.
“The grant promotes and highlights the efforts we have been traditionally doing to support students in the STEM fields,” said Dr. Robert Vela, president of SAC. “It will assist in developing creative ways to ensure students complete their associate’s and transfer to a four-year university in the STEM fields.”
The money will be used to establish a 3 -D technology certificate/degree program, expand tutoring in accelerated remedial math and college algebra, develop new curriculum and academic pathways for students to transfer to 4-year colleges.